Israel says it will strike back after a series of shootings Monday killed two Israelis and wounded 10 others.

In a telephone call to U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell after Monday's attacks, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said Israel will take all necessary measures to protect its citizens.

Israeli officials say the Palestinians broke a pledge made during a security meeting last week to stop attacks and implement a seven-day ceasefire -- a condition for resuming peace talks.

The officials say Israeli promises of restraint are now off.

Earlier Monday, a Palestinian gunman fired on Israelis at an East Jerusalem bus stop, wounding at least 10 people including three policemen.

Israeli police captured the gunman after seriously wounding him.

The Al-Aqsa Martyr's Brigades -- an armed offshoot of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's Fatah movement -- claims responsibility.

In a separate attack, Palestinian gunmen killed two Israelis who were driving between Jewish settlements near Bethlehem.

Also in the West Bank, Israeli soldiers killed a man who sped towards a roadblock while driving his pregnant wife to a hospital. The woman was also injured, but gave birth to a baby girl. Israeli troops also shot and killed a 16-year old Palestinian girl who rushed at them with a knife near Tulkarm.

Despite Monday's violence, Mr.Arafat says he is willing to resume U.S. mediated security talks with Israel.

(ap, afp, reuters, arutz sheva, prev)

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